The Sanskrit word "Darshana" means philosophy and originates from "drsh" meaning "to view". Hence, darshana indicates looking at life and realizing the truth. Yoga teaches us to examine life and the body-mind connection with the aim of realizing one’s true nature. Ayurveda is not only a science but also a philosophy. There are main 6 philosophies of life called “Shad Darshana”. 1. Samkhya Darshana: Expounded by Acharya Kapila Mahamuni Acharya Kapila has described 24 principles in the formation of Universe. These are Avyakta (Unmanifested form), Mahat (Cosmic intelligence), Ahankar (Ego), 5 Tanmatras (Objects of perception), 5 Jnanedriyas (5 senses), 5 Karmendriyas (5 motor faculties) and 5 Mahabhutas (5 great elements). This darshana has introduced the concept of Prakruti and Purusha as avyakta. It explains how universe is developed from this unmanifested form. 2. Nyaya Darshana: Expounded by Acharya Gautama. Nyaya means knowledge. This darshana believes in obtaining knowledge by proofs (Pramanas) & critical logic. It describes the 4 sources of knowledge as Pratyaksha (Direct Perception), Anumana (Inference), Upaman (Analogy) and Shabda (Words by an Authority).3. Vaisheshika Darshana: Expounded by Acharya Kanada Vaisheshikas have described the atomic theory of creation (Paramanuvada). This darshana describes the causative substances (Padartha) of the Universe. These are Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Soul (Atma), Mind (Mana), Time (Kaal) and Direction (Dig). They have also described 6 categories of substance, including Substance (Dravya), quality (Guna), Action (Karma), Similar (Samanaya), Dissimilar (Vishesh), and Samvaya (Unbreakable relation).4. Mimamsa: Expounded by Acharya Jaimini Mimasa is performing inquiry to reach the truth. Purva Mimasa is based on Vedas; Uttar Mimasa is based on Upanishadas. This darshana has emphasized on spiritual rites, discipline and religious rituals. It has said that performing or following dharma (Duty) leads to the path of liberation.5. Vedanta: Expounded by Acharya Badarayana.Veda means knowledge, Anta means End. Vedanta is detailed in the Upanishadas. Vedanta is based the on principles of knowledge and realization of the Self. There are 3 main branches of Vedanta:

Advaita Vedanta- Described by Shankaracharya is the philosophy of non-dualism.

Vishishadvaita Vedanta- Described by Ramanujacharya is the philosophy of qualified non-dualism.

Dvaita Vedanta- Described by Madhavacharya is the philosophy of dualism.

6. Yoga: Expounded by Acharya Patanjali Yoga derived from Sanskrit root word “Yuj” means Unite. It is the union of individual self to the Universal self. Acharya Patanjali has described the 8 limbs of yoga. He has described the path of self-discipline to attain liberation i.e. Moksha. In addition, Ayurveda has accepted yoga for healing purposes. These are the different philosophies of life. These philosophies help us explore the world on macro and microscopic level. They help us understand the origin of Universe and form the guiding principles for us to lead long, healthy and happy lives, while performing dharma (Duty), Artha (Money), Kama (Objects) and Moksha (Liberation).

This shloka from Charak Samhita means: Ayurveda is a science that describes the advantageous, disadvantageous, happy and unhappy states of life , in addition to what is good and bad for life and its measurement.

This ancient science deals with not only longevity but also with maintaining good healthy body and mind.

Ayurveda is a science of body and mind. Ayurveda embraces health of body as well as mind.

Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam Aturasya vyadhi parimoksha |

Ayurveda shows different ways to maintain health of a person and also the different ways to cure a diseased person. Hence it is a complete science that helps the healthy as well as the sick person.

Ayurvedic philosophy is based on "shad darshan" or the six philosophies of life, which were developed by the ancient sages from India. Many of the scriptures are from Vedas which are almost 10,000yrs old. These Vedas have their Upavedas or additional Vedas.

Rigveda – Science of life

Yajurveda – Science of archery

Atharvaveda – Science of architecture

Samaveda – Science of music

Some scholars feel like the origin of Ayurveda is from Rigveda but some believe its origin is in Atharvaveda.

Lord Dhanvantari

Vedas are the supreme pure knowledge. Initially Lord Bramha gave this divine knowledge to Daksha Prajapati, who passed this to Ashvin. The Ashvin twins taught this to Indra, who passed it on to Atreya and so on. This guru shishya parampara was how many rishis acquired this divine knowledge. In the initial series of this parampara, knowledge was passed on from Guru to his disciple(s) in the form of oral tradition of rote memorization of shlokas or verses. Later, this knowledge was written down and took the form of the various samhitas described below.

The Great Triad of Ayurveda (Bruhat Trayi)

The oldest ancient text on Ayurveda is Charaka Samhita, which is written by Acharya Charak around 400 CE. Acharya Charak is called as the father of Ayurvedic medicine.

Sushrut Samhita is written by Acharya Sushruta, father of Ayurvedic surgery and explains detailed human anatomy. He described various surgeries including plastic surgery. Acharya sushruta has followed Dhavantari sampradaya i.e. school of surgeons.

Ashtang Hridaya is written by Acharya Vagbhata around 6th century CE.

Minor Tiad of Ayurveda (Laghu Trayi)

Madhavnidan was written by Acharya Madhav around 7th-8th century AD. It is the best compilation for diagnosis or roga vinishchaya.

Sharangdhar Samhita written by Acharya Sharangdhara around 1226 AD. He has described various prescriptions, formulation of herbs and mineral pitch.

Bhavprakash Samhita written by Acharya Bhavmisra around 1558 AD. He has described old as well as new diseases in his book.

These major and minor triads of Ayurveda are the best sources of written ayurvedic knowledge.

We worship Lord Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda. He first appeared during the great churning of the cosmic ocean of milk that was described as Samudra manthan in Vedic philosophy, to deliver amrit or the Divine nectar. Lord Dhanvantari is described as holding a conch, leeches, healing herbs, a chakra (one of the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu) and the long sought pot of ambrosia. It is written in the Vedic scriptures that, “One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari is released from all disease.” Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the Lord of Medicine.On the occasion of this new year's day of 2013, we offer our humble prayers to Lord Dhanvantari and seek his blessings for health, happiness, prosperity and spirituality in life. May He bestow on us knowledge, compassion, understanding and insight for the practice of this ancient science.